As the most followed rugby union player in the world on social media, Ilona Maher has significantly raised the profile of not just the women’s game, but rugby worldwide – particularly in the US – in recent years. And, of all places, has now chosen to sign for Bristol Bears until the end of the Premiership Women’s Rugby season.
On Instagram, Ilona Maher has 4.5 million followers and another 3.2 million on TikTok. But the utility back – who can play centre or on the wing – may have just added a few thousand more fans from the South West. The 28-year-old signed a three-month deal from January. She’s now headed back to her native country until then, where she’ll keep training with the USA Eagles.
Having found fame for her body positivity advocacy on social media, Ilona led the United States to bronze at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris – the country’s first Olympic medal in rugby – after being defeated by eventual gold medalists New Zealand in the semifinals, and beating Australia for third place. On November 26, she also reached the finale and finished runner-up on Dancing with the Stars in the US.
“Ilona is one of the biggest names in women’s sport, let alone rugby, and we believe she will add real value to our programme on and off the field,” said Bristol Bears head coach Dave Ward. “She is one of the standout stars in the sevens game and we can’t wait to see her play for Bears in XVs.”
“Her ability ball-in-hand will give our attack a new dimension and her desire to star in the Rugby World Cup in England next summer is a huge driving force for her to achieve great things at Bears. Her profile as an athlete to inspire the next generation aligns exactly with ours as a club and we can only applaud the work she has and will do for the women’s game.”
Being labelled a “huge coup” for Bristol Bears and Women’s Rugby in England – for Ilona’s talents on and off the field. Having spent the past three years in the USA’s sevens programme, the signing marks her return to XVs, as she hopes to restart her career ahead of the 2025 World Cup in England.
Joining halfway through the season is no easy task, but hopefully, she can boost the team’s chances of glory. Bristol Bears currently sit 4th in the Premiership Women’s Rugby, and will hope Ilona can help close the gap on Exeter Chiefs – who currently sit 8 points above in 1st.
Maher said: “I am excited to join the Bristol Bears and put myself in the best position to earn a spot to represent USA in the 2025 Rugby World Cup alongside such a talented and driven group as the Bears.” But only time will tell if this out-of-nowhere match-up pays off for both Bristol and the US.
Bristol Bears will play Exeter Chiefs at Ashton Gate this Saturday, December 7. You can learn more here.